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Timeline Project
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Monica Lewinsky Scandal
The Monica Lewinsky scandal involved a sexual relationship between President Bill Clinton and his White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton initially denied the affair under oath, leading to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The scandal resulted in his impeachment by the House, though he was acquitted by the Senate. Due to this scandal, public opinion of Bill Clinton was forever changed and peoples trust in the government was starting to break.
(Kruse and Zelizer, 226) -
Columbine Shooting
The Columbine High School shooting occurred in Colorado when students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 of their classmates and a teacher before taking their own lives. This tragedy shook the nation, sparking debates on gun control, bullying, mental health, and school safety. It marked one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history and had a lasting cultural and policy impact. It was the first of what we would see become a tragic trend in recent American Culture.
(Baylor School) -
9/11 Terrorist Attack
On September 11, 2001, terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City and one into the Pentagon. The fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. This attack has shaped the way Americans act towards foreigners. The attacks led to the War on Terror, the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, and major changes in national security policies.
(Kruse and Zelizer, 243) -
Creation of Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks to better coordinate national efforts against terrorism. It combined 22 federal agencies, including FEMA, the TSA, and the Coast Guard. DHS focuses on border security, emergency response, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism, becoming a key part of U.S. national security infrastructure. It was a large element of the "War on Terror" and shaped the way Americans view the world.
(Kruse and Zelizer, 262) -
Iraq War Begins
The Iraq War began when the U.S., claiming Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism, led an invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. No such weapons were found. It led to years of conflict and instability in the region. Saddam was captured and executed, but the war caused heavy casualties and long-term political and social impacts in Iraq and beyond. The war was also incredibly unpopular within the U.S and caused many people to lose faith in the government.
(Kruse and Zelizer, 261) -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, devastating New Orleans and surrounding areas. The storm caused over 1,800 deaths and massive flooding, especially after levees failed. The damages specifically affected low-income areas of New Orleans the most, leaving people with nothing. The federal, state, and local governments were widely criticized, and the disaster had lasting effects till this day on the New Orleans population, economy, and infrastructure.
(Kruse and Zelizer, 280) -
Economy Crash
The 2008 recession, triggered by the collapse of the housing market and risky financial practices, became the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Major banks failed, unemployment soared, and global markets plummeted. The crisis led to widespread foreclosures, long-term economic struggles, and major reforms in financial regulation. The recession caused many Americans to lose everything they had and still affects people's lives and economic situations today.
(Baylor School) -
Barack Obama Elected President
Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008. His victory marked a historic milestone as he became the first African American to hold the presidency. Obama's campaign emphasized themes of "hope" and "change," resonating with voters seeking a departure from the policies of the outgoing Bush administration. This election was seen as a pivotal moment, reflecting Americans' desire for change and a more inclusive vision for the future.
(Baylor School) -
Osama Bin Laden Killed
On May 2, 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, in a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The mission, ordered by President Barack Obama, ended a nearly decade-long manhunt. Bin Laden's death was seen as a major victory in the War on Terror and brought a sense of justice to many Americans, though it also raised tensions with Pakistan. It gave Americans a sense of patriotism and safety in their country.
(Baylor School) -
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 26 people, including 20 children and 6 adults, before taking his own life. The tragedy shocked the nation and reignited debates on gun control started by the Columbine shooting and school safety. Despite widespread public outcry and demand for justice, significant legislative changes in gun laws have been limited in the aftermath.
(Baylor School) -
Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling
Obergefell v. Hodges was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 26, 2015, that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The decision was a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, after a decades-long battle for equality that is still being fought to this day. While we have not reached full equality, this court decision affirmed marriage equality as a constitutional right and was marked as a milestone in the fight for civil rights and equality for all people in America.
(Baylor School)